HTC MAX 4G: World’s First WiMAX Smartphone

The HTC MAX 4G, the world’s first integrated GSM/WiMAX handset, has just been announced. This is a Windows Mobile device with a WVGA touchscreen, GPS, and 4G service.

This device is launching on the Yota Mobile WiMAX network in Russia, which provides subscribers with access to online games, maps, messaging, and file exchange applications while on the move. In addition, this high-capacity Mobile WiMAX network with traffic prioritisation algorithms allows online films, video ,and TV programs to be viewed on the smartphone’s screen.

“Yota was established to provide a unique set of mobile communication services to millions of people in Russia, and today we have launched the first device and services to realize its full potential,” said Denis Sverdlov, General Director of Yota’s parent company, Scartel LLC. “We really believe that these innovative services, high-speed Internet and stylish HTC MAX 4G will completely change the communications industry, just as the introduction of cellular communications did many years ago.”

Yota does not offer regular voice service. Instead, users of this HTC device will need to insert the SIM card from another Russian carrier. However, its WiMAX service can be used for VoIP.

More about the HTC MAX 4G

Running Windows Mobile 6.1 Pro, the MAX 4G includes HTC’s proprietary TouchFLO 3D user interface. This allows users to operate many of the features of this smartphone by touching the 3.8-inch, WVGA (800 by 480 pixel) display with their fingertips.

It’s a tri-band GSM phone, but with WiMAX service naturally there’s no need for 3G. The device does include Wi-Fi b/g and Bluetooth 2.0 with EDR, though.

Unlike many other HTC models, the MAX 4G includes a a 3.5 mm headphone jack, which makes it easier to use this device with standard headsets.

Other features include a GPS receiver, front- and rear-facing cameras, and an accelerometer.

Overall, this device is 114 mm by 63 mm by 14 mm. It weighs 151 grams with battery.

The HTC MAX 4G has a 1500 mAh battery. This should give it 420 minutes of talk-time over a GSM connection, or 230 minutes with a VoIP connection. Standby-time should be 350 hours with a GSM connection or 50 hours with a VoIP connection.

Outside Russia?

At this time, it is not known if other WiMAX providers around the world will pick up this device in the future.

In the U.S., the largest WiMAX network is being primarily backed by Sprint, who uses the CDMA standard for voice calls. If it was planning to offer this device, it would likely ask HTC for a WiMAX/CDMA version.